Some safety thoughts From Stacy at SCS Safety Health & Security Associates

Spring Forward ~ it is Day Light Savings Time.  For many of us it is a great time of the year.  The day light will be getting longer, which means more time to be spent outside doing the things we love.  This is also a great time of the year to remind everyone to check the smoke detectors.

Many of you might have known I was a volunteer fire fighter for about 15 years.  I also have a Bachelors degree along with several Associates and a Certificate, all in Fire Science.  This is something that fascinates me.  What does not excite me, is when I hear about a house fire where there were no working smoke detectors.

These devices are made to help save lives by detecting smoke.  There are two types of detectors:  Ionization, and photoelectric.  Each of these detects smoke and fire in a different way.  Ionization type smoke detectors have a chamber and when smoke fills the chamber, it interrupts the ionization hence sounding the detector.  These type of detectors are generally good at detecting fires with flames.  Photoelectric type detectors have a light projected into the alarm chamber.  When smoke, such as that from a smoldering fire, enters the chamber, it disrupts the light flow, causing the detector to sound.  There is a third type of detector.  It is known as a heat detector, and just as its name suggests, it detects the increase of heat, but NOT the presence of smoke.

So what is the best type of smoke detector photoelectric or ionization?  Answer:  BOTH.  Having a smoke detector with both types of systems is recommended.  As stated before, each detects differently and you never know what type of fire might be started.  Either a smoldering or one with lots of flames.

                         

Most detectors are powered by either electricity with battery backup, or battery only.  Changing the batteries often, keeps fresh batteries in the unit, gives you a change to test the units, clean the units, and  it is the perfect time to practice your family's emergency or evacuation plan.

If you are tired of having to change the batteries, then I suggest you look into the lithium battery smoke detectors.  These types of units have a lithium battery within the unit, which never needs to be changed.  However, these units do not last forever.  Most manufacturers have an approximate 10-year warranty on the battery or unit.  Nevertheless, do not forget to keep testing the units!

Most hardware or home improvement stores carry smoke detectors, and depending on the type you are looking for, you can find them to be reasonably priced.  I have seen prices ranging from approximately $10 to $40.  Make sure you know the type of detector you want to purchase.  There are some detectors that are combination detectors, but when you read the packaging you will find they are a combination of smoke (either photoelectric OR ionization) and carbon monoxide.

Where would you place a smoke detector?  One on every level of your home, and in the basement.  Depending on the state you live in, local building codes, and or your homeowner’s insurance representative, you might get a couple of different answers, depending on who you ask.  I have seen recommendations of one on every level of the home, and one in each bedroom.  Read the manufacturers' recommendation for installation.

How long does a smoke detector last?  Most smoke detectors, depending on the manufacturer, can last approximately 8 to 10 years.  Read the manufacturers information within the packaging.  It is recommended that you keep track of when you purchased the unit.  I know, most of us have trouble remembering these things, but you can mark the date of purchase on the unit with a permanent marker.

If you would like to know other resources that are available, you can talk to your local fire department or check out a few of these websites:

http://www.usfa.fema.gov/index.shtm

http://www.nfpa.org/categoryList.asp?categoryID=278&URL=Safety%20Information/For%20consumers/Fire%20&%20safety%20equipment/Smoke%20alarms&cookie_test=1

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5077.html

Some spring thoughts

Well daylight savings time kicks in this Sunday morning at 2am, unless you feel like waking up to change your clock, you can do it Saturday night before you retire for the evening.  Remember Spring forward, Fall back.

Another reminder that when you change your clocks, change the batteries in ALL of your smoke detectors.  This way they are changed two times per year and the batteries will be new and strong.  Speaking of your smoke detectors, how old are they?  Is it time for some new ones?  Probably every 5 or so years or when you buy your home (unless it is new) would be a good time to replace them.

Speaking of spring, it is time to think about that garden and those nice tomatoes we grow around here.  The VA Cooperative suggests planting after 1 May in the Eastern, or Piedmont part of the State, the chance of a killing frost is over and it is normally safe to plant.  Here are some recommendations from the VA Cooperative for tomatoes.

Environmental Preferences

SOIL: Well-drained, loam.LIGHT: Sunny.
FERTILITY: Medium-rich.
TEMPERATURE: Warm (70° to 80°F)
MOISTURE: Moist, but not waterlogged

I guess if we are talking about growing things it is time to talk about trimming and cutting things, like the lawn.  Have you had your mower serviced or done it yourself?  Now is the time, all be it a little late to take it to the shop to get it done, but you can do a few simple things, change the spark plug, change the oil, and sharpen the blade.  Remember to be careful sharpening the blade that it is done evenly so that you don't get any vibration.


Just a few safety reminders, always wear shoes when operating the lawn mower, or weed eater, wear safety glasses and remember never stick your hand  into the blades when the machine is operating.  One more thing, never fill the gas tank when the engine is running, and if the engine is hot do it away from your home.


Rates are good still, inventory is low.  It can be a good time to refinance, so if you have any questions give me a call.  Also FHA announced that if you have an FHA loan before 2009 that you can Refinance and use the old Mortgage Insurance Rate on the Refinance and that will save you considerably on the monthly payment.


Have a great Wednesday!


Mark

As I had mentioned, I am going to have a guest Blog on occasion.  Here is the one I promised from Heather Brown from Beautifully Organized

Bring Calm to Your Chaos – A Simple Plan for How to Get Organized

As a professional organizer I have often been asked the question, “How do you get organized and how do you stay organized?”  The skills required to achieve and maintain an organized home take time to acquire, just like any other skill. 

I love the approach of Marcia Ramsland in her book Simplify Your Space.  She breaks down the process into four stages and even gives you the word CALM to help you remember them.

C – Create a Plan 

Determine your goals for each space.  Do you want to create a coffee station in your kitchen?  A coat closet that actually holds coats?  Put time to work on the area on your calendar! 

A – Approach it by Sections

Focus on one shelf/wall/drawer at a time.  Breaking the job down into reasonable tasks helps it seem less overwhelming and much more manageable.  Your goal is to remove everything from the space that isn't truly necessary.  In your closet keep the clothes that fit you and make you feel good.  Get rid of any clothes that are too small.  I call these “guilt” clothes. When you look at your closet in the morning you should only see clothes that fit and flatter who you are right now.  When you approach your kitchen, keep only the appliances and cooking utensils that you use often, one nice set of knives, one set of pots and pans and one matching set of plastic containers to store food in. Have boxes and trash bags standing by as you work so you can sort what you no longer need into give away and trash piles.  Once you have determined which items to keep, measure your space and purchase a few new hangers, baskets, or bins to give the space an attractive, finished look. 

L – Lighten Up and Let Go

Letting go of things can be very difficult.  We often hang on to items for sentimental reasons.  Just remember that getting rid of a thing in no way gets rid of the memory attached to it.  So what do you do with your stuff once you are ready to part with it?  Drive by Goodwill and make a tax deductible donation.  Have a yard sale and donate the proceeds to your local fire station. It feels good to give and the more you practice it, the better you will be at it.  If you are looking to make a little money, try listing items on Ebay or Craigslist.                                                    

M – Manage it Simply

This is your chance to establish new habits and learn to be a more organized person.  Take 15 minutes each evening to do a quick pick up of your house.  This keeps rooms from getting out of hand.  Every week do your basic housekeeping chores such as cleaning the bathrooms, dusting, and vacuuming.  You will find that these tasks become much easier and less time consuming the less stuff you have.  A couple of times a year, re-evaluate what you have and if it's really working for you.  Remember, you are in charge of your stuff; your stuff is not in charge of you!

Enjoying a cleaner, more organized home will also come in handy the next time you want to sell your home or move.  A cluttered home will not show well and can actually make your space look smaller than it actually is.  A prospective buyer will be able to visualize living in your home if it is clean and orderly.  Then, when it comes time to move, you won't have to pay that moving company for quite so many hours if you don't have a ton of stuff to move!

Hopefully, you are encouraged to tackle a few organizing projects in your own home.  But sometimes you just need someone to give you a hand.  That's where professional organizers like me come in.  I can help you re-imagine your space, make hard decisions about what to keep and what to toss, take away your items for donation and mail you a receipt for tax purposes. 

Contact Me With All Of Your Organizing Needs, Big Or Small!

Heather Brown

Beautifully Organized

heather@beautifully-organized.com

www.beautifully-organized.com

703-477-9694

Snow?

Yes, March 5th and it is snowing in the Northern VA area.

I worked all weekend and we saw a few new homes come on the market and an equal number go off the market.  The inventory continues to be tight.  The rates are great and I think the spring market will be an active and a very competitive one.

With inventory low, we need more homes to sell.  If you know of anyone that wants to sell please have them call me.

Sports are gearing up, Baseball is almost in full swing, the college basketball playoffs are beginning and Nascar is off and running.  

One thing we always recommend for people considering purchasing a home is a Pre-qualification with a lender.  Understanding your buying power is very important, not only for the agent but also for you.  During this meeting we can determine the right loan, what you can afford and then what you want to afford.  Many times you may qualify for more than you are comfortable paying.  It is important that we know that so that the loan officer and I can help guide you to the right decision.

After meeting with the lender we are better able to narrow our search in on the right house and area for you.  With the inventory low, you should be ready to make decision.

Just some notes on loans:

• FHA 3.5% down payment, seller can pay some or all of your closing costs
• Conventional 5% down and seller can pay some or all of your closing costs
• VHDA has a few attractive loan programs with little or no money down.

There is change coming to the FHA Mortgage Insurance and it looks like it may cost more for the up front in the near future.  Keep that in mind because it may affect your monthly payment.

Have a good week and call if you need anything.

Mark

Well we are getting closer to Spring

Spring is right around the corner, and the official start this year is March 20.  Now is good time to get started on the yard work.  I am sure some people have been working on their yard already with the incredibly mild winter we had in the DC area.  Having said this, watch out now for a blizzard.

I was going to offer a guest blog today, but Heather will be here next week giving some good guidance on how you can make your self and your life more organized.

Here are some good tips for everyone as we get ready for spring:

As you prepare to mulch the flower beds, keep in mind that sometimes you can bring termites into your beds via the mulch.  Like all things there are experts on both sides with varying opinions, but it is a concern.  Make sure you keep some distance and between the mulch and the foundation and do your own research.

Keep your bushes trimmed so that there is suitable air flow and moisture wont be trapped behind the bushes keeping your wood trim moist causing to wood rot. Also now is a good time to clean the exterior of you house, many of the home improvement stores sell the solutions and brushes to make the job easier, make the house cleaner and are actually good for the environment.

Everyone loves to grill out and now is a great time to check your grill, give it a good cleaning, check the tank, and the burners to make sure they are in good shape.  Better to start now and make any needed repairs before you have that juicy steak on the grill.  Since we are on the subject of grilling.  The sun as much as we love it does have harmful UV Rays.  make sure everyone has the right sunblock so they can enjoy the time outside and not get burned.

I had a nice closing yesterday with a really nice young couple, we had a few last minute hurdles to get over and we did.  But they now have a new Home.  It was great to see them happy at closing.

Spring is among us

As we all get ready for spring, here are a few reminders for things to do around the house

1.  Change your furnace filter on a regular basis, this is a cheap and easy process and will keep your home clean and your HVAC unit working easier.  It is always a good idea to have your HVAC checked twice a year to make sure it is working properly.

2.  Clean your gutters, clean gutters move water more freely and makes sure they do their job and send water where it is supposed to go.  Make sure the gutters are attached properly and that the down spouts are pointed away from the house and that the water is just not dropping right into the foundation.  Using flex hose divert the water away from your foundation to avoid erosion of the dirt, and water into the basement.

3.  Make sure your homes paint is in good condition, when wood is unprotected and comes into contact with water or moisture it acts like a sponge and holds the water and rots the wood.  Wood and wood finishes facing north that get very little sin light need some extra attention.  Have the exterior of your home looked at and wood replaced and primed and painted every few years.

4.  Change your smoke detector batteries.  The NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) recommends that you change your detector batteries twice yearly.  The easiest method to remember to change your batteries is when you change your clocks for day light savings time.  Also, every few years you should replace your detectors.  As a reminder most use 9 volt batteries and keeping those on hand for when the existing batteries go bad will make the switch out easy.

5.  Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector.  Carbon Monoxide is a odorless gas that can and will kill.  Carbon monoxide is a by product of a gas furnace, hot water heater or stove.

Currently there are just over 100 single family homes for Sale in Loudoun County under $400,000, some of these are new homes that need to be built.  The rates continue to be good and inventory low.  Keep in mind the spring market is here and the rates are great.

Next week a guest article from Heather Brown who owns and operates a "Organizing" company with some tips and tricks.

Call me with any questions

Mark
571-437-5914

The current Market

We continue to see great activity in the market and in some cases some multiple offer situations. The rates continue to be very strong and we expect that to be the trend for the near future.

Remember rates vary from Lender to Lender, but the bottom line still has to be customer service.

Home Warranty's continue to be a great way to protect the seller from issues post closing. They are inexpensive, and provide great peace of mind for both the buyer and the seller.

We will continue to update and be more proactive with the blog.

Remember, if you need me, I am just a phone call away. 571-437-5914. www.markfeatherstone.com.